Rowcrop response to topsoil replacement on high traffic vs low traffic soil reconstruction systems

R. E. Dunker, R. G. Darmody

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Poor soil physical condition is identified as the most limiting factor to successful row crop production on mined land in Illinois. Compacted mine soils lack a continuous macropore network to provide for water movement, aeration and root system extension. Critical to reclamation success are i) selection of the best available soil materials used in soil reconstruction and ii) reclamation methods which will minimize compaction during soil reconstruction. In Illinois, topsoil replacement has generally enhanced seedbed preparation, stand establishment, and early season growth when compared to graded spoil materials. Yield response to topsoil replacement has ranged from strongly positive to strongly negative. Excellent corn and soybean yields have been achieved when reclamation methods result in low strength soils. Total crop failures have commonly occurred when high traffic soil replacement methods result in mine soils with high soil strength.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication22nd American Society of Mining and Reclamation Annual National Conference 2005
PublisherAmerican Society of Mining and Reclamation
Pages302-327
Number of pages26
ISBN (Print)9781622760862
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005
EventJoint Conference of the 22nd American Society of Mining and Reclamation Annual National Conference 2005, ASMR 2005 - Breckenridge, CO, United States
Duration: Jun 19 2005Jun 23 2005

Publication series

Name22nd American Society of Mining and Reclamation Annual National Conference 2005
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceJoint Conference of the 22nd American Society of Mining and Reclamation Annual National Conference 2005, ASMR 2005
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBreckenridge, CO
Period6/19/056/23/05

Keywords

  • Compaction
  • Minesoil
  • Prime farmland reclamation
  • Topsoil

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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